Emma Raducanu has been managing an ongoing back issue in recent months Emma Raducanu succumbed to defeat by teenager Maya Joint in an edgy second-round match at Eastbourne. The 22-year-old lost 4-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) to the Australian 19-year-old, who secured just the second grass-court win of her career. Former US Open champion Raducanu rallied from 5-2 down in the deciding set to force a tie-break. But the out-of-sorts Briton could not make it two comeback victories in as many days, having fought back from a set down in anemotional first-round winon the south coast. Earlier, defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova saved match points against a British player for the second day in a row to reach the quarter-finals. Jodie Burrage held three match points on Krejcikova's serve in the deciding set but the Czech, playing only her sixth match this year after a lengthy lay-off with a back injury, battled to a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) win. Raducanu arrived in Eastbourne as the British number one, having enjoyed a run to the quarter-finals at Queen's a fortnight ago. But as she prepares for her fourth Wimbledon appearance - where she has twice reached the fourth round - her performance at Eastbourne looked laboured. Some impressive serving in the opening set gave her the lead but the wheels seemed to come off in the second, and a commanding performance from Joint levelled the match. World number 38 Raducanu pulled out of the Berlin Open last week because of a back issue but, while she seemed uncomfortable at times, she did not call for the trainer at any point against Joint. Raducanu held back tears after securing victory on Tuesday and said she was "mentally not really present" at points during the match. She slumped in her chair at the change of ends at times on Wednesday, shaking her head in frustration - but she dialled back in to produce a thrilling end to the third set. After breaking Raducanu in the first game of the decider, Joint saved break-back points at 3-2 then broke for a second time after Raducanu followed a double fault with a long forehand. But Raducanu rediscovered some momentum, twice breaking as Joint served for the match - and she even seemed to surprise herself with a remarkable break to love for 5-5. The to-ing and fro-ing continued, both players exchanging breaks before Raducanu denied Joint for a third time as she served for the match and forcing a tie-break. But an unfortunate net cord paved the way for Joint, who took the lead and sealed her place in the quarter-finals with an ace. Joint, who was ranked 684th in the world at the beginning of 2024, will face world number 69 Anna Blinkova in the last eight. She will also make her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon when it begins on 30 June.
Raducanu misses out on Eastbourne quarter-final
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Emma Raducanu Eliminated in Eastbourne Second Round by Maya Joint"
Bbc News
8.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu faced a disappointing defeat in the second round of the Eastbourne tournament, losing to Australian teenager Maya Joint in a tightly contested match that ended with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4). Raducanu, who has been dealing with a persistent back issue, initially showed promise by leading in the first set, but her performance faltered in the second set as Joint capitalized on Raducanu’s struggles. Despite being down 5-2 in the deciding set, Raducanu made a commendable effort to level the match, showcasing her resilience by forcing a tie-break after breaking Joint’s serve multiple times. However, the former US Open champion ultimately fell short, unable to secure a second consecutive comeback victory after her emotional first-round win earlier in the week. Raducanu's journey in Eastbourne ended prematurely, raising concerns as she gears up for her fourth Wimbledon appearance, where she has previously reached the fourth round twice.
Throughout the match, Raducanu appeared to be grappling with her mental focus and physical discomfort, having withdrawn from the Berlin Open the previous week due to her back problems. Although she did not call for a trainer during the match, her body language suggested frustration and struggle at times, particularly during critical points. The match saw several momentum shifts, with both players exchanging breaks in a dramatic final set. Ultimately, Joint, who had only previously secured one other grass-court victory in her career, clinched the win with an ace after a fortunate net cord helped her gain an early advantage in the tie-break. As a result of this victory, Joint will advance to face world number 69 Anna Blinkova in the quarter-finals and is also set to make her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon, starting on June 30. Raducanu's performance in Eastbourne raises questions about her readiness for the upcoming major tournament, highlighting the ongoing challenges she faces with both her physical health and competitive consistency.
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